Rain showers and temperatures in the low 50s are being forecast for the Capitals-Penguins outdoor game Saturday at Heinz Field, hardly the conditions the NHL wants for its midseason showcase featuring stars Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin.

Rain is the major worry because it would be unsafe for the players even if it falls only lightly. A light rain could freeze almost immediately after hitting the ice, creating an uneven surface that could quickly become unplayable. A steadier rain is even worse because it might flood the surface.

Accuweather is calling for showers with a high of 50 degrees on Saturday — 14 degrees above the normal Jan. 1 high of 36 in Pittsburgh.